title: Prevalence of the petrified ear: a computed tomographic study.
abstract: The petrified ear is characterized by calcifications or ossifications of the cartilaginous parts of the outer ear. It is described as a rare finding, but the prevalence of this finding is unclear. In a retrospective analysis of 200 computed tomographic scans of the head, 39 patients showed ossifications/calcifications of the cartilaginous parts of the outer ear (19.5%). These affected the cartilage of the auricle in 13 patients (6.5%), the cartilaginous parts of the external auditory channel in 25 (12.5%) and in one patient both (0.5%). All ossifications/calcifications were incidental findings in our series. Contrary to most authors, auricular ossifications/calcifications per se seem to be a common finding, but symptoms due to a petrified ear seem to be rare. To establish proper differential diagnosis, radiologists and otorhinolaryngologists should be aware of these findings.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Radiology, Evangelisches Krankenhaus Göttingen, Weende, An der Lutter 24, 37074, Göttingen, Germany, johannesgossner@gmx.de.
authors.forename: Johannes
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Gossner
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003251:Constriction, Pathologic; D004425:Ear Cartilage / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D004431:Ear, External / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009999:Ossification, Heterotopic; D015995:Prevalence; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D055815:Young Adult